Things to Do in Honolulu
50 curated spots from Honolulu itineraries
Activities & Attractions
30 curated experiences
Diamond Head State Monument
Do the famous crater hike for wide coastal views and classic Honolulu photos; go early for cooler conditions and lighter crowds.
2h 30m · $5-10 or Free
Waikiki Beach
Stroll sands, swim in calm waters, join free beach yoga if available.
2h · Free
Manoa Falls Trail
Walk through a lush rainforest valley with bamboo and broad-leaf plants to a tall waterfall (often more of a thin cascade), on a maintained but often muddy trail—wear good shoes and expect a light jungle adventure.
2h · $5-10 per person (parking/shuttle)
Ala Moana Beach Park
Gentle swim and sunset views from Magic Island.
1h · Free
Diamond Head State Monument Hike
Reserve a morning hiking slot, then follow the paved and stair sections to the crater rim for panoramic views of Honolulu and the coast.
2h · $5 per person + parking
Iolani Palace
Tour the only royal palace in the United States and learn about Hawaii's monarchy era through the guided experience.
1h 30m · $20-30
Honolulu Museum of Art
Visit for a calm indoor break with art collections and cool, quiet galleries between outdoor sightseeing blocks.
1h 30m · $20-25
Honolulu Zoo
$25/adult but free paths around perimeter.
1h 30m · Free (exterior)
International Market Place
Browse clothing, gifts, and souvenir shops in a polished open-air shopping center.
1h 30m · Free to browse
Pearl Harbor National Memorial (USS Arizona Memorial)
Visit the visitor center exhibits and take the boat to the USS Arizona Memorial; reserve timed tickets in advance.
3h · Free (small booking fee)
Fort DeRussy Beach Park
Play volleyball, visit free US Army Museum, relax on sand.
1h 30m · Free
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
Protected marine sanctuary with pristine snorkeling in a coral-filled bay. Spot sea turtles, tropical fish, and coral gardens in shallow, clear water. Arrive by 8:30 AM; beach day shoes required; closed Tuesdays.
3h · $15-20 entrance + $10 parking per car
Kapiolani Park
Stroll shaded paths, people-watch, and relax post-hike.
1h · Free
Byodo-In Temple
Replica Japanese temple in Valley of Temples; gardens, bells, and black swans.
1h 30m · $5/person
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve (Snorkeling)
Reserve a morning slot, watch the short conservation video, then snorkel among coral and tropical fish in this protected bay; arrive early for calmer water.
3h · $25-30 per person (non-resident fee, plus transport)
Kualoa Ranch
Take a guided tour through the lush Kaʻaʻawa Valley, known for movie sets and dramatic scenery.[4]
3h 30m · $140-220 (depending on tour)
Lanikai Beach
Kayak views of Mokulua Islands; calm turquoise water.
2h · Free
Lyon Arboretum
Wander through lush botanical gardens with tropical plants, towering trees, and short family-friendly paths.
2h · Donation-based entry (suggested)
Manoa Falls
1.7-mile rainforest hike to 150-ft waterfall; misty photo backdrop.
2h · $5/person
Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout
Windy mountain pass with sweeping views over the windward coast and lush Koʻolau cliffs.[2]
45m · $7-10 (parking)
Pearl Harbor National Memorial
Visit the memorial for a meaningful history stop and a calm, reflective morning. Keep the schedule simple and allow time for security and movement between areas.
2h 30m · Free; some exhibits/tours may cost extra
USS Arizona Memorial
Free boat to memorial; book tickets online.
2h · Free
Ward Village & Kakaʻako Street Art Walk
Stroll around the Ward Village/Kakaʻako area to see large, colorful murals on warehouse walls, peek into small shops, and let the kids hunt for their favorite artwork.
2h · Free
Ala Moana Beach Park & Magic Island Lagoon
Relax on a calmer, tree-lined beach with a protected swimming lagoon, grassy lawns, and plenty of shade under big trees—perfect for reading, light swimming, or just recharging.
2h 30m · Free
Ala Moana Beach Park & Magic Island Sunset Walk
Arrive late afternoon for calm swimming at Ala Moana’s protected lagoon, then wander out to Magic Island peninsula for sunset views over the ocean with palms, grassy lawns, and the Honolulu skyline glowing behind you.
2h · Free
Ala Moana Beach Park Evening Relax
Head to Ala Moana Beach Park for a calm swim and picnic as the city lights start to glow.
2h · Free
Ala Moana Center
Open-air shopping; evening cultural shows.
2h · Free (shopping varies)
Ala Moana Center & Street Markets
Shop bargains, browse stalls for souvenirs and snacks.
2h · Free (budget $20-50 shopping)
Ala Moana Center and Ala Moana Beach Park
Shop at the open-air mall, then walk across to Ala Moana Beach Park for one last swim or sunset.
3h · Free (shopping extra)
Ala Moana Center Shopping
Explore the open-air mall’s mix of global brands and smaller boutiques; look for local designers, beachy clothing, and small gift kiosks that have a street-market feel.
2h · Free to browse (shopping extra)Restaurants & Food
20 local favorites
Heavenly Island Lifestyle
Tropical, plant-filled café with a slightly jungle feel. For halal needs, stick to vegetarian/seafood dishes like the acai bowl, papaya & tropical fruit plates, avocado toast without bacon, and seafood-based options where staff confirm no pork/lard and separate cooking surfaces.
1h · $18-30 per person
Duke's Waikiki
Barefoot bar with Hula Pie dessert, fresh fish sandwiches, and beach views.
1h 15m · $50-90 per person
Leonard's Bakery
Classic Honolulu bakery famous for fresh malasadas (try original sugar and haupia-filled).
45m · $5-10 per person
Helena's Hawaiian Food
Traditional kalua pig and pipikaula.
1h 30m · $25-40 per person
Marukame Udon
Order a simple vegetarian udon or plain broth-based noodle bowl with tempura vegetables; these are the safest halal-friendly choices on the menu.
1h · $15-25 per person
Ono Seafood
Fresh poke bowls $10-12; customizable spicy options.
45m · $10-12 per person
Rainbow Drive-In
Classic Hawaiian plate lunch spot; order loco moco or garlic chicken.
45m · $8-12 per person
Diamond Head Market & Grill
Grab halal-friendly options like fruit bowls, salads, and grilled fish plates prepared without pork or alcohol-based sauces; confirm ingredients when ordering.
45m · $15-20 per person
Marukame Udon Waikiki
Self-serve Japanese udon shop known for fresh noodles and tempura at excellent value.
1h · $12-20 per person
The Pig and the Lady
Trendy restaurant offering inventive Vietnamese and Southeast Asian-inspired dishes and cocktails.
2h · $30-45 per person
Giovanni's Shrimp Truck
$14 garlic shrimp plate; picnic-style.
45m · $12-14 per person
Island Vintage Coffee
Grab acai bowls, Kona coffee, and avocado toast on the terrace at Royal Hawaiian Center.
1h · $15-25 per person
Kalapawai Market
Island institution serving kalua pork plate lunch, poke, and sandwiches with aloha spirit. Casual counter service in a local favorite haunt. Scenic Kailua Beach location nearby for post-lunch stroll.
1h · $12-18 per person
Barefoot Beach Cafe
Choose a casual beachside dinner with seafood, burgers, or plate-style comfort food after a beach afternoon.
1h · $20-35 per person
Foodland Poke
Build-your-own poke bowl with shoyu ahi and rice.
45m · $10-15 per person
House Without A Key
Legendary open-air restaurant and bar at Halekulani with live Hawaiian music and hula at sunset.
2h 30m · $50-90 per person
Island Vintage Shave Ice
Fresh acai bowls and shave ice with tropical fruits; light and refreshing start.
45m · $12-18 per person
Istanbul Hawaii
Chic Eastern Mediterranean spot; while not fully halal-certified, they offer many vegetarian and seafood items like meze platters, falafel, hummus, and grilled fish—avoid pork and ask staff to guide you to non-alcohol dishes.
1h · $25-40 per person
Moku Kitchen
Farm-to-table Hawaiian concept restaurant with ahi poke bowls, kalua pork, limu seaweed, and craft cocktails. Modern elegant setting with island-inspired cuisine. Reservation recommended.
1h 30m · $40-55 per person
Morning Glass Coffee + Café
Enjoy vegetarian options like pancakes, avocado toast, and egg dishes; avoid pork sides and check that sauces contain no alcohol.
1h · $15-20 per person